Best half-day tour for scenery. Your afternoon will be spent touring around some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of the Lake District. This is a stress free, easy way to see a lot of the Lake District in an afternoon without feeling rushed. You have time to soak up the views and even paddle in a lake if you are brave enough. It is a great way for getting an overview of the Lake District, its culture, history and of course, its amazing scenery.
You will get plenty of variety, see magnificent scenery, eat gingerbread and get all the facts, figures and fascinating stories from our friendly, knowledgeable guides and drivers who know the area well.
Travelling in a comfortable mini-van with air con, Wi-Fi & phone charging ports as one of only 6/7 passengers you will find it is easy to ask questions and join in the conversation (if you want to). There are lots of stops for photos and fresh air. It is a great afternoon out and we can't wait to share it with to you.
Starting point:
2 Kelsick Rd, Ambleside LA22 0BP, UK
Here, as you twist and climb upwards, you will be on the highest road in the Lake District, as well as one of the most spectacular. On the way, you will drive through some magnificent mountain scenery stopping at the top near the old Kirkstone Pass Inn to admire the panoramic views. Its breezy up here but worth getting out in the fresh air just to be looking down the long valley where Windermere Lake sparkles in the distance and on a clear day, you may see out as far as the sea at Morecambe Bay. Look to the left and the right to catch sight of the native Herdwick sheep roaming among the impressive dry-stone walls and watch dedicated walkers looking like tiny colourful dots weaving about on ancient pack horse trails high up on the surrounding fell sides. On the way down the other side of the pass, you will be able to stop for another opportunity to take fabulous photos down the wide valley with the road winding away towards Brothers Water.
At almost eight miles, this is the second longest of the lakes, with a dramatic serpentine shape overlooked by soaring fells, none higher than the challenging reaches of Helvellyn. The leafy shores are stippled with woods of oak, birch and hazel – one of the best examples of pre-plantation Lakeland scenery. As you will see, this is a special place to be. William Wordsworth declared Ullswater “the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur, which any of the Lakes affords” and who are we to argue with that?
Set on a hill with a wonderous panorama of magnificent mountains all around are 48 stones, set here over 5000 years ago. This is Castlerigg stone circle, the ancient haunt of Druids, so the romantic Victorians thought. Today its real purpose is still shrouded in mystery but you will see few stone circles in Britain in such a dramatic setting as that of Castlerigg. A short walk and you are in the circle itself where you can soak up the atmosphere and wonder at the breathtaking views.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
We will collect you from the departure point linked to your chosen option. Please do not change to a different departure point without informing us in advance as we don't automatically go to every departure point. If we don't know you have changed your departure point we may not pick you up for the tour! Please ensure that you are at your chosen departure point at least 10 minutes before your pickup time. The minibus will be unable to wait for you if you are not there and you will miss your tour. Due to local traffic conditions the bus may arrive later than expected. Please wait 10 minutes after the quoted departure time before calling. The English Lake District weather can change quickly, even in the summer months. Please bring a waterproof coat with a hood in case of rain or windy weather. As there may be a small amount of walking involved in the tour, some uphill and on uneven or wet terrain, please wear suitable, comfortable shoes. No food or drink is included in the tour price.